Santa Monica, CA – April 27, 2012 – TV Land is giving one of the original “Kings of Comedy” his own sitcom! Laugh-out-loud comedians Cedric “The Entertainer” and Niecy Nash star in the network’s newest original series, “The Soul Man” (formerly known as “Have Faith”), which begins production this week for a total of 12 episodes, it was announced today by Keith Cox, executive vice president, development and original programming, TV Land. “The Soul Man” premieresWednesday, June 20 at 10pm ET/PT, immediately followed by the season two premiere of TV Land’s hit sitcom, “The Exes,” which stars Donald Faison (“Scrubs”), Wayne Knight (“Seinfeld”), David Alan Basche (“The Starter Wife”), Kelly Stables (“Two and a Half Men”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock From The Sun”).

“The Soul Man” revolves around R&B superstar-turned-minister Reverend Boyce “The Voice” Ballentine (played by Cedric) who was living the high life in Las Vegas at the top of the music charts (see the video for his 80’s hit, “Sex Wichoo” here) when he gets the calling to go from soul singer to soul saver. Relocating to St. Louis with his wife, Lolli (Nash) and his daughter, Lyric (Jazz Raycole) to take over the preaching duties in his father’s church, his family is not exactly eager to give up the fabulous superstar life for a humble one. The Reverend Boyce character originally appeared in a season two episode of “Hot In Cleveland” and a spinoff was developed by Cedric and “Hot In Cleveland” creator Suzanne Martin. The comedy also stars John Beasley (“Everwood”) as Boyce’s father, Barton; Wesley Jonathan (“What I Like About You”) as his brother, Stamps; and Raycole (“My Wife and Kids”) as his daughter.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Cedric, Niecy and the whole cast become part of the ever-growing TV Land family,” said Cox. “We know that Cedric and Niecy’s chemistry coupled with a top-notch comedic cast will definitely make this sitcom pop.”

Cedric and Martin will serve as executive producers for “The Soul Man,” along with Eric Rhone and Emmy® Award-winner Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner of Hazy Mills Productions, who also executive produce “Hot In Cleveland.” Keith Cox and Larry W. Jones will be executive producers for TV Land. Phoef Sutton (“Cheers”) is the showrunner and Stan Lathan (“The Steve Harvey Show”) serves as the director. The series is filmed in front of a live studio audience.

About TV Land

TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s and 50s. Consisting of original programming, classic and contemporary television series acquisitions, hit movies and a full-service Web site, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. homes.

About Viacom

Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) is home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in more than 160 countries and territories. With approximately 170 media networks reaching more than 600 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr.,TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, Spike TV and Tr3s. Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

@Bill: Deadline reported that TvLand had ordered 12 additional episodes for Season 2 of Happily Divorced, but on the Facebook page of the series it was said that they had been renewed for a third season. Was the series both given additional episodes for season 2 and renewed for a season 3?!

MJDB

@Thomas

Happily Divorced was renewed for a third season, not additional episodes. I commented on Deadline the error as well. The second season finale will air on June 6, and the third season’s date is TBA. I saw on another website third season, and if it came from the horse’s mouth, it was season renewal. I’m 100 percent positive.

The Mike Factor

This is the 1st sitcom they haven’t used Hot in Cleveland as the lead in for. I hope it does well, and so excited about The Exes coming back soon as well as more Happily Divorced. TV Land is in a pretty good spot right now.

cc

Cedric? Not who I think of when the term soul man is mentioned.

RJ

Whatever happened to Retired at 35? That show was awful, but renewed. It was originally supposed to air in February, but hasn’t been seen in close to a year.

Spencer

I have watched and liked all TV land sitcoms
I did not know that retired at 35 was a show till like yesterday

MJDB

@RJ

Retired at 35’s second season will return on tuesday june 26, which is a tuesday at 10:00.

MJDB

sorry about saying tuesday twice

Thomas

@MJDB : thanks a lot! I’m so happy it got picked up! How many episodes did TvLand order?

TV Gord

I hope we see some of the Hot In Cleveland characters on the first episodes of The Soul Man. I miss those great days of spinoff crossovers I recall from the 70s. I know they are just a ploy to get more viewers to check out a new show, but from a viewer’s point of view, it can be fun as all get out!

MJDB

@Thomas

12 Episodes, which means the show will have 34 episodes by the end of next season.

MJDB

@Thomas

12 Episodes, which means the show will have 34 episodes by the end of next season. You’re very welcome.